Race-by-race preview and tips for Tamworth on Sunday

March 8, 2025 journo

By Ray Hickson

March 8, 2025 — 6.00pm

Selections based on a soft track.

Race 1

9. Fingers Hunter won’t know himself back in this grade after two excellent runs in strong Highways then up to a Benchmark 72 and battled a bit but not disgraced at Rosehill. Was 1200m up to 1500m there so better for it. 4. The Favorite Son had no luck at all early and had to give away far too much start when running on into fourth at Taree third-up. Mile should suit and if he can use barrier one he’s a good each-way chance. 10. Blazing Sword started $1.28 and had every chance in the run when fourth at Canberra first-up. Perhaps the mile will suit.

How to play it: Fingers Hunter WIN.

Racing returns to Tamworth on Sunday.Credit: bradleyphotos.com.au

Race 2

6. Pappiana showed plenty of intent chasing the winner home first-up almost a month ago at a trip likely short of her best. If she can step up off that performance she’ll be hard to beat. 1. New Pharoah found the 1000m too short when he resumed from almost a year off as he ran into fourth at Scone a month ago. Since trialled over 1200m so the additional trip will suit. If he finds his best he’ll be a major player. 3. Juliet’s Balcony is an interesting first starter from the Neasham/Archibald stable who has trialled twice recently, the latest behind a horse that strung the field out. Keep safe.

How to play it: Pappiana EACH-WAY.

Race 3

12. Shotgun Bella looked to be doing it nicely alongside the winner in her latest trial at Scone recently, off a five-week gap, and lands in an open race with an ideal gate. In top stable and any support would be significant. 11. Reluctant Diva showed some promise in her first preparation with a couple of placings including one here before a spell. Easy trial winner at Scone leading in and should get every chance from the inside barrier. 10. Mount Bona is also on debut and she was only getting warm at the end of her latest trial, coming from a long way off the speed to run a close second.

How to play it: Shotgun Bella EACH-WAY.

Race 4

6. Cossack Warrior was solid in betting when resuming over this track and distance a month ago when a narrow winner. Can see him getting every chance from a favourable draw and if he has improved off that win he’s a threat. 3. Bjorn Ironside hit the lead 100m out in the Mid North Coast Country Championships at Port Macquarie and was run down late, finishing third. Racing well so worth including in the main chances. 2. Awaygoesthebunny started favourite when finishing last at Mudgee first-up in a surprise performance. Is better off up to the 1200m and second-up form is far superior.

How to play it: Cossack Warrior WIN.

Race 5

14. Upwardly Mobile is in great form this time in with a first-up win and a last stride defeat in her two runs back. Gets some nice weight relief. Only has to hold form to be in the finish. 3. Oenology sat handy when winning at Muswellbrook before finding himself a long way back in a Highway at Rosehill but he hit the line nicely when able to get across heels. 1. Arctic Legend led them up and battled into fifth when resuming at Scone in a Class 4. Two wins and a third from three runs at this track last time in.

How to play it: Upwardly Mobile WIN.

Race 6

4. Call Me Terry was strong at the finish of 1200m when resuming at Mudgee a couple of weeks ago. Did sit fourth in the run and was outsprinted early in the straight then rallied. Step up in trip and a soft draw are pluses. 5. Pharoahzano sat up handy in a similar race to this last start and was narrowly denied. Did start double figures and has been a little inconsistent but every chance to back that up. 7. Ballinderry Sal is fitter for two runs back and was hard in the market in a Highway at Canterbury where she held her ground.

How to play it: Call Me Terry EACH-WAY.

Race 7

7. Know Thyself is a promising four-year-old with three wins from five starts and a last start Group 3 placing. Fitted with three trials leading in, wears blinkers first time and handles all conditions. Should be right in the finish. 8. Lisztomania finally got his Highway win first-up a month ago at Randwick and he beat a subsequent winner and carried 59.5kg. Is a backmarker so will drift back from the outside gate and look to sweep home down the middle. 1. Rematch is a model of consistency who won easily over a mile first-up at this track then tried hard behind an in-form horse when runner-up at Canterbury last month. Draws ideally and goes just as well in any conditions. Must be respected.

How to play it: Know Thyself WIN.

Race 8

12. Not In Doubt was right up in class when a battling fifth over 1200m at this track first-up since May. Back to this class with a claim for a promising apprentice she could bounce back. 5. McTaggart gave a good sight in front when cut down by a subsequent Highway winner at Walcha a month ago. Could take running down again. 11. Nor Nor West has run into form this preparation with a Scone placing and a comfortable win at Mudgee. Little harder here but lightly raced and not out of it.

How to play it: Not In Doubt WIN.

Best Bets: Race 1 (9) Fingers Hunter; Race 7 (7) Know Thyself

Best Value: Race 2 (6) Pappiana

Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au